Chaos erupted in the Limpopo High Court sitting in the Waterval Magistrate's Court on Monday, 6 October, during the ongoing trial of the three Radzuma brothers, accused of murder, attempted murder and car hijacking.
One of the accused, Percy Radzuma, told the court he wanted to part ways with his lawyer, Adv Ntsako Hlongwane, accusing him of spending more time on social media than communicating with him about the case.
"It's been almost three months since we last discussed the case," Radzuma said, alleging that his lawyer was more focused on his public image than on defending him. He then asked to be allowed time to find new legal representation.
Speaking outside court, Adv Hlongwane denied the allegations, saying his client wanted him to lie in court. "I wasn't there when he committed the crimes. He must tell the court the truth," Hlongwane said. "He's lying about me being on Facebook or WhatsApp discussing his case."
Hlongwane, who has previously faced public criticism over alleged unprofessional conduct in unrelated matters, had denied wrongdoing in those cases as well.
The state has so far called 150 witnesses, and the defence was expected to begin its case before Radzuma dismissed his lawyer.
Ms Rabelani Mphaphuli, spokesperson for both the Musetsho and Mani families, expressed frustration over the new delay. "This seems like a tactic to stall the trial. It's been dragging since 2019. I believe politicians are involved in this case. Justice must prevail," she said.
Judge Thogomelani Tshidada described the request for new counsel as a setback and postponed proceedings to allow Radzuma time to appoint another lawyer.
The three brothers – Simon, Percy and Ndivhuwo Radzuma – face 40 charges, including murder, attempted murder and car hijacking. Simon and Percy are accused of killing South African Municipal Workers' Union (SAMWU) members Ronald Mani and Timpson Musetsho, who were shot dead in separate incidents in 2019 after publicly criticising the Vhembe District Municipality's investment of R300 million in the now-defunct VBS Mutual Bank.
Their elder brother, Ndivhuwo Radzuma, is also charged with the murder of Zwothe Nemulodi, who was allegedly killed because he was suspected of knowing details about the union leaders' murders.
As of Tuesday, 7 October, the court had not yet set a new date for the continuation of the trial.